Relative Dating: Rock Layers

Front

How does sedimentary rock usually form?

Back

Sedimentary rock usually forms horizontally.

Front

What is the most recent event in a sequence of rock layers?

Back

The most recent event is represented by layer C.

Front

What is the oldest layer in the outcrop?

Back

The oldest layer in the outcrop is layer E.

Front

What is the numerical age, in years, of any object called?

Back

The numerical age is called absolute age.

Front

What is the last event to happen in a sequence of geological events?

Back

The last event to happen is faulting.

Front

What is relative dating?

Back

Relative dating is the method of determining the age of a rock layer in relation to other layers.

Front

What is absolute dating?

Back

Absolute dating is the process of determining the exact age of a rock or fossil.

Front

What is a rock layer?

Back

A rock layer is a single layer of rock that has distinct characteristics and is part of a larger sequence.

Front

What does the Law of Superposition state?

Back

The Law of Superposition states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Front

What is an igneous intrusion?

Back

An igneous intrusion is when molten rock (magma) pushes into existing rock layers and solidifies.